One of the most common questions parents ask is: what is a good 11+ score? The answer depends on the school, test provider, cohort and admissions rules. There is no single national 11+ pass mark for every grammar school.
Raw score vs standardised score
A raw score is simply the number of questions answered correctly. A standardised score converts performance onto a common scale and can take account of factors such as the difficulty of the paper and the child's age. This is why a practice score such as 32 out of 40 should not automatically be treated as a universal pass or fail.
Why pass marks vary
Selective schools and consortia can use different tests, weighting and admission arrangements. Some publish a qualifying threshold; others use ranking and oversubscription rules. Always check the current admissions information for the schools you are considering.
How to use practice scores
- Track accuracy by subject and question type.
- Look for improvement across several papers rather than one score.
- Review mistakes and practise the underlying skill.
- Use the target school's current admissions information for the final benchmark.
What should parents do?
Use mock exams to spot trends, not to predict a place with certainty. A child who is improving steadily and can work accurately under time pressure is building useful exam readiness.